Tile spacer and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

A removable tile spacer for use in tile installation, configured of a four sided planar stepped device with an oval finger hole therethrough having a first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, a second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap, a third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap, and a fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap and, thus, functions to be easily used to properly align tile by an installer.

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present U.S. Non-provisional patent application hereby claims full priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/851,849, filed on May 23, 2019, entitled “Multiple Stepped Tile Spacer”. The present application is also a continuation of U.S. Design application No. 29/700,208, filed on Jul. 31, 2019, entitled “Tile Spacer”. The contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a tile spacer and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to tile installation spacer used in the tile installation process and to tile installation methods.

BACKGROUND

For most tile installations, the surface to be tiled is prepared with a rigid level board and an adhesive material is applied to the surface. The initial tiles are then placed on the adhesive or thin set in a predetermined pattern. Prior to placing each tile and tiles adjacent to the other tiles or a boundary most installers place a spacer therebetween to form uniform gap or space between the tiles for a grout line. Moreover, the uniform gap is achieved when opposing surfaces of the spacer reside in juxtaposition to the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles positioned side by side. Once the adhesive or thin set (set mortar, bonding mortar, flexible bonding mortar, fortified thin-set mortar and a ceramic tile adhesive) has cured and the tiles are secure with uniform gaps, the spacers are removed, the grouting material is introduced into the gaps or valleys between the tiles to complete the tile installation.

Various approaches have been utilized to space tiles during installation. One such previous approach includes a removable single sized plastic or rubber spacer having a single set spacer thickness or width. The removable spacer is placed between opposing edges of the adjacent tiles to form a uniform gap or space between the tiles to form a grout line. One disadvantage or drawback to this approach is that, the removable single sized spacer has a set space, width, or gap such as one quarter of an inch (¼ of an inch) or an equivalent metric unit and cannot be utilized singly to achieve a different gap or space between the tiles, especially a smaller grout line. To achieve a two times (2×) larger gap or space between the tiles two removable single sized spacer may be placed side by side, however, two times (2×) the number of removable single sized spacers are required to complete the installation and partial sized multipliers, such as 5/16 are not achievable. Another disadvantage or drawback to this approach is that, some of the removable single sized plastic or rubber spacers have rounded edges causing them to not seat, tilt, or align properly in the gap or space between the tiles.

Another previous approach includes non-removable spacer or post adhesive or thin set curing removable spacer. One disadvantage or drawback to this approach is that the non-spacer provide a shallow gap or valley above the non-removable spacer for introducing the grouting material and over time this grouting material above the non-removable spacer may crack or crumble. Another disadvantage for the post adhesive or thin set curing removable spacer is they are difficult to remove due to the tight fit between opposing edges of the adjacent tiles positioned side by side and the bond of the adhesive or thin set to the post adhesive or thin set curing removable spacer.

Another previous approach includes a spacer for leveling and aligning the tiles. These devices usually include two parts, one an aligning device with a lift pad that sits under the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles and a wedge or lift to raise the pad to align the upper surfaces of the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles. One disadvantage or drawback to this approach is that, lifting the tiles causes the tile to separate from the adhesive or thin set leaving a gap under the tile. These sections are prone to cracking and breaking.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a removable tile spacer that can be easily used to properly align tile by an installer, which provides a variety of width settings and combinations of width settings using one or multiples tile spacers to set a desired gap or space between the tiles. Providing a removable tile spacer with sharp or ninety-degree edges to seat, not tilt, and align properly in the gap or space between the tiles. Providing a removable tile spacer capable of maintaining a consistent gap or valley depth to introduce the grouting material, which is of a relatively inexpensive construction, and which can be installed with a minimum of labor and expense. The instant disclosure is designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present disclosure may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages and may meet the recognized need for a removable tile spacer for use in tile installation, configured of a four sided planar stepped device with an oval finger hole therethrough having a first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, a second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap, a third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap, and a fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap and, thus, functions to be easily used to properly align tile by an installer, which provides a variety of width settings and combinations of width settings using one or multiples tile spacers to set a desired gap or space between the tiles, which provides a removable tile spacer with sharp or ninety-degree edges to seat, not tilt, and align properly in the gap or space between the tiles, which provides a removable tile spacer capable of maintaining a consistent gap or valley depth to introduce the grouting material, which is of a relatively inexpensive construction, and which can be installed with a minimum of labor and expense.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present disclosure may include additional sides having edge width proximately equal to additional next large standard tile gaps.

Accordingly, in another aspect, the present disclosure may include finger holes of different sizes and shapes other than oval to accommodate gripping, placement and removal of the tile spacer prior to introducing the grouting material.

In an exemplary embodiment of the removable and rotatable tile spacer to set one of a plurality of gaps between opposing edges of the adjacent tiles, the tile spacer including a multi-sided and multi-stepped tile spacer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a finger grip aperture formed therethrough, the tile spacer having a first edge width, the first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, the tile spacer having a second edge width, the second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap, the tile spacer having a third edge width, the third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap, and the tile spacer having a fourth edge width, the fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap.

In another exemplary embodiment of a method of spacing opposing edges of the adjacent tiles, the method including the steps of providing a multi-sided and multi-stepped tile spacer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a finger grip aperture formed therethrough, the tile spacer having a first edge width, the first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, the tile spacer having a second edge width, the second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap, the tile spacer having a third edge width, the third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap, and the tile spacer having a fourth edge width, the fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap, rotating the tile spacer between the first edge width, the second edge width, third edge width, and the fourth edge width until a selected edge of the tile spacer is located, and positioning one or more the selected edge of the tile spacer between the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof may include to properly align tile by an installer with a consistent gap between all opposing edges of the adjacent tiles positioned side by side and tiles and borders therearound.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a variety of width settings and combinations of width settings using one or multiples tile spacers to set a desired gap or space between the tiles to prevent spacing or alignment errors between uniform rows and columns of tiles.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a removable tile spacer with sharp or ninety-degree edges to seat, not tilt, and align the spacer properly in the gap or space between the tiles.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a removable tile spacer capable of maintaining a consistent gap or valley depth to introduce the grouting material therein.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a relatively inexpensive construction aid or tool, and which can be installed with a minimum of labor and expense since both professional tile installers and do-it-yourselfers installers spend a great deal of time aligning and leveling tiles as they are being adhered to a surface.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide evenly spaced grout joints between tiles both horizontal and vertical installations.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a single tile spacer with multiple widths (1-4) and in combination many more widths for evenly spaced grout joints between tiles rather than 2-4 times the number of single width spacers needed to achieve a variety of gap widths and area of tiles to be installed.

A feature of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof is to provide a single multi-stepped tile spacer with four stepped width (1-4) measurements and in combination many more widths eliminates the need to buy different or an assortment of sized tile spacers saving money and time.

These and other features of the removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the prior Summary and following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and Claims when read in light of the accompanying Drawings or Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present removable tile spacer and methods of use thereof will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer of FIG. 1, shown standing on a first edge width; proximately equal to a first standard tile gap;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer of FIG. 1, shown standing on a second edge width;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer of FIG. 1, shown standing on a third edge width;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer of FIG. 1, shown standing on a fourth edge width;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the removable tile spacer of FIG. 1, shown in use setting a gap between opposing edges of the adjacent tiles during a tile installation; and

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of installation and use of tile spacer to set a gap between opposing edges of the adjacent tiles during a tile installation.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of tile spacer 10 configured as multi-stepped planar square body or tool having top surface 12 measuring approximately 1 inch by 1¼ inches rectangle and bottom surface 14 measuring approximately 1½ inches square with a hole, such as finger grip aperture 16 therethrough top surface 12 and bottom surface 14 to enable an installer to easily grasp, grip, position, and remove tile spacer 10 from the grout line GL. It is contemplated herein that other dimensions, including metric units and shapes may be utilized to configure tile spacer 10. Finger grip aperture 16 may be configured as oval shaped, or as circular, oblong, square, rectangle, triangle or any other aperture shape.

Moreover, tile spacer 10 may include a plurality of edges formed of spaced apart surfaces, such as four sided having first edge 21 having first edge width 41 approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, such as 1/16 of an inch (measured between bottom surface 14 and measuring 1½ inches and running or extending one full side or edge of bottom surface 14, second edge 22 having second edge width 42 approximately equal to a second larger or wider (increasing width or thickness) standard tile gap, such as ⅛ of an inch measuring 1¼ inches and running or extending along one side or edge of bottom surface 14, third edge 23 having third edge width 43 approximately equal to a third yet larger or wider standard tile gap, such as 3/16 of an inch measuring 1¼ inches and running or extending along one side or edge of bottom surface 14, fourth edge 24 having fourth edge width 44 approximately equal to a fourth yet even larger or wider standard tile gap, such as ¼ of an inch measuring 1¼ inches and running or extending along one side or edge of bottom surface 14. It is contemplated herein that other dimensions and shapes may be utilized to configure tile spacer 10, including metric units.

Furthermore, tile spacer 10 configured as multi-stepped planar square tool, such as four stepped tool that may be turned or rotated to provide four different incremental spaces, widths, or gap settings for tile spacer 10. Tile spacer 10 may be configured with first step 61 approximately equal to 1/16 inch step up or transition between first upper surface 51 to second upper surface 52, second step 62 approximately equal to 1/16 inch step up or transition from second upper surface 52 to third upper surface 53, and third step 63 approximately equal to 1/16 inch step up or transition from third upper surface 53 to top surface 12. It is contemplated herein that other dimensions and shapes may be utilized to configure tile spacer 10, including metric units.

It is recognized herein that first edge width 41 is measured from (or formed between) bottom surface 14 to first upper surface 51; second edge width 42 is measured from bottom surface 14 to second upper surface 52; third edge width 43 is measured from bottom surface 14 to third upper surface 53; fourth edge width 44 is measured from bottom surface 14 to top surface 12.

It is recognized herein that tile spacer 10 may be constructed of metal, steel, alloy, polymer, or plastic or more specifically high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or similar high tensile or strengthened materials, as these material offers a variety of forms and shapes and provide strength; however, other suitable materials or the like, can be utilized, provided such material has sufficient strength, able to maintain the size, configuration and integrity of tile spacer 10 thus, prohibiting the expansion or contraction of the material due temperature or humidity. Moreover, tile spacer 10 may be 3D printed, vacuum or injection molded, or extruded from the above material to form tile spacer 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, and 6, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated an example embodiment of a plurality of tile spacer 10 positioned therebetween tiles T in a tile installation. Moreover, stepped tile spacer 10 may step up 1/16 of an inch each side therearound its four sides. For example, tile spacer 10 may include first width therebetween bottom surface 14 and first upper surface 51 to provide gap or first edge width 41, or first standard tile gap, such as one-sixteenth of an inch ( 1/16), second width therebetween bottom surface 14 and second upper surface 52 to provide gap or second edge width 42 or second standard tile gap, such as one-eighth of an inch (⅛), third width therebetween bottom surface 14 and third upper surface 53 to provide gap or third edge width 43 or third standard tile gap, such as three-sixteenth of an inch ( 3/16), and fourth width therebetween bottom surface 14 and top surface 12 to provide gap or fourth edge width 44 or fourth standard tile gap, such as one-quarter of an inch (¼).

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, and 7, there is illustrated a flow diagram 700 of a method for installation of tiles thereon a substrate or floor F. In block or step 710, providing tile spacer 10 as set forth in any of the embodiments discussed herein, and/or shown in FIGS. 1-6.

In block or step 710, a tile installer levels or smooths a surface or substrate, such as floor F. In block or step 715, tile installer applies an adhesive A or thin set (set mortar, bonding mortar, flexible bonding mortar, fortified thin-set mortar and a ceramic tile adhesive) to floor F. In block or step 720, tile installer positions first tile T1 therein adhesive A on floor F. In block or step 725, tile installer positions second tile T2 adjacent first tile T1 with opposing edges OE of the adjacent tiles T, first tile T1 and second tile T2 positioned side by side. In block or step 730, tile installer rotates tile spacer 10 to select side of tile spacer 10 is located, a side of four sided tile spacer 10 or a combination of back-to-back sides of tile spacer 10 to achieve desired tile gap G or gap line GP (732) between adjacent tiles T, first tile T1 and second tile T2 (by rotating tile spacer 10 between first edge width 41, second edge width 42, third edge width 43, or fourth edge width 44). Rotating to the desired gap setting between adjacent tiles T, first tile T1 and second tile T2 by selecting a side of four sided tile spacer 10 or a combination of back-to-back sides of tile spacer 10. More specifically, either one or a combination of tile spacers 10, selecting first edge 21 having first edge width 41 approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, such as 1/16, second edge 22 having second edge width 42 approximately equal to a second larger or wider standard tile gap, such as ⅛ of an inch, third edge 23 having third edge width 43 approximately equal to a third yet larger or wider standard tile gap, such as 3/16 of an inch, or fourth edge 24 having fourth edge width 44 approximately equal to a fourth yet even larger or wider standard tile gap, such as ¼ of an inch. In block or step 735, pressing, positioning, or placing selected edge of one or more tile spacer 10 therein grout line GL between each tile and tiles adjacent to the other tiles or a boundary to form uniform gap G or space between the tiles for a grout line GL.

For example, tile installer may rotate and select first edge 21 having first edge width 41 approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, such as 1/16. In block or step 735, tile installer places or pushes (positioning) one or more or a plurality of tile spacers 10 with first edge 21 positioned down toward floor F into adhesive A to set a space or width, such as gap G therebetween opposing edges OE of the adjacent tiles T, such as first tile T1 and second tile T2. Moreover, tile spacers 10 with first edge 21 having opposing surfaces, bottom surface 14 and first upper surface 51 provide gap or first edge width 41, or first standard tile gap, such as 1/16, reside in juxtaposition to the opposing edges OE of the adjacent tiles T, such as first tile T1 and second tile T2, positioned side by side, to form a consistent and uniform gap G therebetween adjacent tiles T, such as first tile T1 and second tile T2. Moreover, the uniform gap G is achieved when opposing surfaces of tile spacer 10 reside in juxtaposition to the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles T1, T2, T3, T4 and so on (repeating the above Steps with a next tile and a next spacer) in a multi-tile installation as shown in FIG. 6.

In block or step 740, allowing adhesive A to cure and set. Once the adhesive A has cured and the tiles are secure with uniform gaps G. In block or step 745, removing tile spacers 10 from grout line GL opposing edges of the adjacent tiles T1, T2, T3, T4 and so on. In block or step 750, filling grout line GL with grout, such as a grouting material is introduced into the gaps G or valleys between adjacent tiles T1, T2, T3, T4 to complete the tile installation.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Moreover, the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims. 

1. A removable and rotatable tile spacer to set one of a plurality of gaps between opposing edges of adjacent tiles, said tile spacer comprising: a multi-sided and multi-stepped tile spacer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a finger grip aperture formed therethrough; said tile spacer having a first edge width, said first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap; said tile spacer having a second edge width, said second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap; said tile spacer having a third edge width, said third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap; and said tile spacer having a fourth edge width, said fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap.
 2. The tile spacer of claim 1, wherein said finger grip aperture is oval shaped.
 3. The tile spacer of claim 1, further comprising a first step between a first upper surface of said first edge width and a second upper surface of said second edge width.
 4. The tile spacer of claim 3, further comprising a second step between a second upper surface of said second edge width and a third upper surface of said third edge width.
 5. The tile spacer of claim 4, further comprising a third step between said third upper surface of said third edge width and said top surface.
 6. The tile spacer of claim 3, wherein said first edge width is formed between said bottom surface and said first upper surface.
 7. The tile spacer of claim 4, wherein said second edge width is formed between said bottom surface and said second upper surface.
 8. The tile spacer of claim 5, wherein said third edge width is formed between said bottom surface and said third upper surface.
 9. The tile spacer of claim 6, wherein said fourth edge width is formed between said bottom surface and said top surface.
 10. The tile spacer of claim 1, wherein said first edge width is one-sixteenth of an inch.
 11. The tile spacer of claim 1, wherein said second edge width is one-eighth of an inch.
 12. The tile spacer of claim 1, wherein said third edge width is three-sixteenth of an inch.
 13. The tile spacer of claim 1, wherein said fourth edge width is one-quarter of an inch.
 14. The tile spacer of claim 1, constructed from plastic material.
 15. The tile spacer of claim 1, forms a tile installation spacer.
 16. The tile spacer of claim 15, to form a grout line intended to separate tiles to be spaced thereby.
 17. A method of spacing opposing edges of the adjacent tiles, said method comprising the steps of: providing a multi-sided and multi-stepped tile spacer having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a finger grip aperture formed therethrough, said tile spacer having a first edge width, said first edge width approximately equal to a first standard tile gap, said tile spacer having a second edge width, said second edge width approximately equal to a second next wider standard tile gap, said tile spacer having a third edge width, said third edge width approximately equal to a third next wider standard tile gap, and said tile spacer having a fourth edge width, said fourth edge width approximately equal to a fourth next large standard tile gap; rotating said tile spacer between said first edge width, said second edge width, third edge width, and said fourth edge width until a selected edge of said tile spacer is located; and positioning one or more said selected edge of said tile spacer between the opposing edges of the adjacent tiles. 